FROM IRON WORKS TO ARTS DISTRICT

"The Workhouse opened in 2012, with the philosophy of getting back to work, supporting local businesses and the Bend community—a philosophy literally ingrained in the walls of the old iron works."The Workhouse is located in one of Bend’s oldest remaining industrial buildings, the machine shop of the former Bend Iron Works. It is a building with a design, construction and history that pays homage to the skill and tenacity of the workers and their intimate relationship with the land of Central Oregon, much akin to the artist-tenants of The Workhouse today. In 1916, the economic potential of the region’s lumber was realized, and was opened to outside markets after the completion of the railroad connecting Bend to rail lines along the Columbia River. That year, the Shevlin-Hixon and Brooks-Scanlon lumber mills, two of the largest pine sawmills in the world--both built entirely of wood--opened within a month of each other on opposite banks of the Deschutes River. The mills attracted a skilled workforce, eventually employing 4,000 workers who, by 1920, produced 500 million board feet of lumber per year.The mills meant opportunity for twenty-one year old entrepreneurs Charles J. Dugan and Robert E. Huffschmidt, formerly of The Independent Foundry Company of Portland. On March 22, 1916, the Brooks–Scanlon Mill donated three and a half acres for a new foundry. Trees were felled and milled to timbers, joints cut and fasteners tightened, the wooden building completed and foundry machinery installed, so that the first smelting occurred merely 47 days later, on May 8th. Thirty days after opening, the foundry burnt to the ground. It’s unclear why the original building wasn’t constructed of masonry, since fire is the greatest fear at mill sites. The lack of masonry is further astonishing, considering that, despite 24 hour-a-day shifts at the two new mills, and numerous smaller lumber mills already operating in Central Oregon, lumber was not the cheapest construction material available in town: The Bend Brick and Lumber Company made the least expensive, high-quality brick available in the West, providing a locally sourced, low cost, high quality, fireproof building product that was used to construct much of downtown Bend. "Commensurate with the Workhouse’s philosophy, Dugan and Huffschmidt got back to work..." Commensurate with the Workhouse’s philosophy, Dugan and Huffschmidt got back to workand constructed a new iron foundry, this building with brick walls and wooden roof, and resumed operations thirty-six days after the fire. The Workhouse is located on the grounds of the 1917 machine shop, constructed to address needs of the timber, agricultural, and construction industries, as well as the rapidly growing automobile and trucking industries. In 1920, Charles J. Dugan became sole owner of the foundry and was known in the community for his civic contributions, as were his employees, all of them hired from the local work force. His son, Charles J. Dugan Jr., was a navy pilot in the south Pacific World War II, winning a distinguished flying cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement. He also invented the world’s first portable saw mill, and directed the company following his father’s death. The foundry was the last remaining east of the Cascades when operations ceased in 1977.The brick pattern of The Workhouse is American Bond, where six (or more) rows of brick are placed flat lengthwise (“stretchers”) followed by a single row placed flat widthwise (“headers”). Large timbers, used to support both machinery and trusses for the plank and board gable roof, were set within the brick sidewalls, and fastened together using iron plates, straps, braces and bolts. Brick arches provide structural support over large casement windows and French door that allow in light and ventilation.The Workhouse opened in 2012, with the philosophy of getting back to work, supporting local businesses and the Bend community—a philosophy literally ingrained in the walls of the old iron works.Written by Dan Becraft

Location

50 SE Scott St. #6Bend OR 97702

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Great spot to find unique gifts!"

"Always a good time at the Workhouse! Great artists, chill vibe, lots to see and learn. See you next time!"